Growth concerns determine Argyle election

Argyle will have a new mayor and two new town council members as development backlash swept the town.

Donald Moser, who has never held public office before, defeated Mayor Peggy Krueger with 62.34% of the vote (639 to 386).

Newcomers Ronald Schmidt and Todd Mankin unseated council members Kay Teer and Jay Haynes with 70.77% and 61.72% of the vote respectively.

All three candidates ran on a platform of limiting residential and commercial growth and keeping the town’s rural lifestyle.

Ronald Schmidt

In his Meet the Candidates profile, Moser stated: “The Town of Argyle has a unique charm in its rural atmosphere. Unfortunately, this is being threatened by the mass development that we are being told is inevitable.”

Moser has lived in Argyle for nine years with his wife and three children. He is a forensic fire investigator for Irving-based Rimkus Consulting Group and has 34 years of civil service including serving as a firefighter, paramedic and police officer.

Todd Mankin

“I am very grateful for all the citizens and voters here in Argyle and all the support we got. We couldn’t have done it without them and we’re going to continue to need their support and do this as a village,” said Moser.

He said his first order of business is to bring the town to the people.

“I want to increase the information flow and transparency. The more we are in partnership with everybody in the community the more it beings the community together.”

Krueger was seeking her third term as mayor of a town that now has the attention of real estate developers, keeping the town’s small staff swamped as they review proposal after proposal.

“I wish Don Moser good luck. He ran a great campaign. I wish all the town council and staff the very best,” said Krueger.

“The people spoke loud and clear. Argyle is going in a different direction than what I thought it was.”